ABOUT
OUR STORIES
Facing the Numbers is a social impact campaign and film project exploring the stories behind the statistics of First Nations disadvantage in Australia’s legal system. It shows the resilience of First Nations people who are still here, protecting Country, culture and community.
OUR APPROACH
The filmmakers built long-term relationships with each storyteller, grounded in care and reciprocity, and recorded long-form audio interviews with each of them. These testimonies are paired with cinematic portraits and reflective, experimental visuals – to share these stories in a way never done before in Australia. The series deliberately omits scenes of explicit violence against First Nations bodies, to limit further harm to First Nations viewers and avoid desensitising audiences.
THE CAMPAIGN
Facing the Numbers will soon be premiering in Australia and internationally. But seeing the films is just the first step.
In 2027, Facing the Numbers will launch a campaign to ensure millions of people feel the impact of these stories. Stories that have been ignored for too long. You can help us create lasting change through our impact and education campaign, led by Common Ground.
If you’re in a position to donate to make this possible, please contact us using this form.
CREATED BY
Tyson Perkins
Arrernte & Kalkadoon
Writer, Director & Cinematographer
Tyson is an award-winning cinematographer best known for his work on Mystery Road: Origin, Finding Jedda and Robbie Hood
Rona Glynn-McDonald
Kaytetye
Executive Producer
Founder of Common Ground and Co-founder of First Nations Futures
First Nations Advisory GrouP
Apryl Day
Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba and Barapa Barapa
Founder and Executive Officer of The Dhadjowa Foundation
Dr Chelsea Watego
Munanjahli and South Sea Islander
Executive Director, Carumba Institute, Professor of Indigenous Health and Director, Institute for Collaborative Race Research
Dr Samara Hand
Worimi and Biripi
Lecturer in the Faculty of Law & Justice and Co-founder of National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition (NIYEC)
Ashley Paxton
Waywurru
Clinical Psychologist and Social and Emotional Wellbeing Lead at Weenthunga Health Network
Sam Alderton-Johnson
Djaara and Yuin
Founder and Managing Director at Impact Policy
Maggie Blanden
Palawa
Lawyer and Co-founder of Naarm Law Students
partners
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
WeirAnderson Foundation and Reichstein Foundation
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
Screen Australia
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The Healing Foundation, Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation, Wildflower, Dhadjowa Foundation, Institute Collaborative Race Research, Weenthunga Health Network
MAJOR PARTNERS
Shark Island Foundation and Bright Moon Trust
PRODUCTION PARTNERS
Revolver and Heckler
Financed with the assistance of Documentary Australia